Vincentian to be honoured in UK

Outstanding Vincentian nursing educator, health administrator, researcher, organizational leader and community activist Dr. Kathleen Patricia Israel will be honoured in the United Kingdom next month.{{more}}

The Confederation of Black and Ethnic Minority Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors (CBEN), will on October 8, celebrate Israel’s achievements in the field of nursing at the Dame Nita Barrow Memorial lecture, to be held in the UK.

Israel, who is the first Caribbean Nurse to be appointed a Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) country representative, was nominated for the award by Syringa Marshall-Burnett, a renowned Jamaican nurse and politician.

This is the fifth year that the CBEN will host the lecture, which “celebrates the achievements of an outstanding and exemplary nurse from a Caribbean or African country.”

Israel received her primary, secondary and nursing midwifery education and training in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, then continued her academic education by obtaining a Certificate in Nursing Education at the UWI Mona campus; followed by a master’s degree in Public Health and successful completion of her Doctoral programme.

Israel, who now works at PAHO’s Washington headquarters, first served with the regional organization in Belize and Guyana.

In her citation, Marshall-Burnett said of Israel, “To come in contact with this very accomplished nurse and lady is to be immediately and continuously impressed by her zeal and enthusiasm, lively curiosity and creative imagination, quick grasp and understanding of regional and international health issues, serious yet positive approach, undaunted commitment, work ethic, and her belief that health care holds the key to the development of small and large states alike.

“She is a formidable crusader, actively promoting Primary Health care initiatives, continuing education for health care personnel, organizational effectiveness and beneficial outcomes for the peoples of the Caribbean where she serves.”

Marshall-Burnett further described Israel as a multi talented person with culinary and artistic skills, creating beautiful exquisite, ‘one of a kind’ products.

She also called Israel a loyal colleague and friend, a role model ‘par excellence’ and one whose company brings much mirth and laughter.

“She is constantly expanding her horizons with reading and travel, enlarging her understanding of people and their respective cultures,” said Marshall-Burnett.